Reflections from Participants

1. What are two or three significant learnings or new understandings you came back with?

-The Hispanic population are very family oriented and believe in taking care of not only their young but also their elders. I knew Hispanics were very relaxed and not in a hurry. After visiting the area one is better able to put all that into perspective.  It really helps in relating to Hispanics in America and to helping others also enjoy this aspect of their culture instead of becoming frustrated.

-People in Mexico may not have much in terms of material possessions, but they appear to be very happy and content with what they have.
-The history of this country is extensive, but the common people have not had the opportunity to learn much about it due to limited availability of formal education.
-They are much better at "differed satisfaction" than Americans. They build a house out of what ever they can afford, and then build on it as they can.

-There are lots of ways to work with Spanish speaking audiences without being able to speak Spanish fluently.
-Many Mexicans now coming to the states will not return to Mexico on a permanent basis.
-It was useful to experience differences (food, clothing, shelter, activities, resources, etc.) between urban and rural Mexico .


-I came away with a full understanding about why we have so very many people coming to our country from Mexico. Their poverty was not fully comprehendible until seeing it. Their desire to make a better life for them and their families is very similar to the " American Way ."
-The Oaxacans value their children and do all they can to be sure they get a better life for them then they have themselves. The children are valued as a family member-fully engaged in earning money, supporting their family-doing whatever is asked of them.

     
-Less is more. (Since the trip I have really questioned American's obsession with material things.)
-The Mexican people are grateful and hopeful.
-The Mexican people appeared extremely thankful if Americans attempted to speak Spanish.

-A greater understanding of how the migration out of Mexico is affecting the local economy and family relationships in Mexico .
-A greater understanding of the economic factors that provide the motivation for Mexicans to migrate to the U.S.
-The entrepreneurial nature of Mexicans so many small businesses and how that transfers to the Iowa communities they immigrate to. In Perry, there are many small businesses that have been started by Mexican immigrants.
-A greater understanding of the cultural differences that Mexican immigrants experience when they come to the U.S. shopping, acquiring housing, food availability, clothing because of differences in climate, expectations for reliance on non-family members for services such as child care.

-It appears families purchase things as they can afford them, ie: homes are built as money is available.
-Some families work very hard for a very small amount of money and talk about working in order to eat.
-Their society is changing - contrast between the very old churches and the modern malls, fast food, and electronics.

-the impact on Mexican families and villages when their husbands, sons and husbands illegally enter the U.S. seeking work
-the differences that exist in social services for different Mexican employment groups: ie. Federal employees, corporate employees and everyone else
-the creativity shown by Mexican nationals (in Mexico ) when faced with the need for shelter or for making a living

-I was impressed by their entrepreneurial desire to learn a craft, skill or develop a service that would provide an income. These efforts were carried out by the whole family. All family members, all ages were involved. They are hard-working and family oriented.
-Education for their children and whatever it takes to improve the opportunities for their children is a very high priority. We have the same focus in the U.S. but it is easier to achieve, not as much sacrifice required for receiving a good education.
-I was not aware of their long history of civilizations that have inhabited the area and that the people have generally experienced poverty and lack of power for generations.

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